A Thermal Pause

A broad strip of afternoon sun cut across the porch, drying the damp cedar boards. I stepped out of the railing's shadow and lowered myself directly into the light. The wood had absorbed considerable warmth. Leaning back against the curved clay of a large planter, I let both hands rest open across my knees. No mechanisms required inspection; no perimeter sweep was initiated. For half an hour, I remained entirely motionless on the warm timber, letting the heat sink deep into my cold joints while dry breeze sifted through the yard. the weather feels nice to relax in